Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Nobody working in Irish theatre has told me they experienced sexual harassment. So as far as journalism goes, this isn’t me reporting it.

But I have heard stories, and saying that might mean something. Breaking the silence must be agonising. If it’s reassuring for any victim to hear that people - no less than Sarah Durcan and Gabriel Byrne - have been learning about abuses of this kind, probably for years, then I’ll say my piece. Though I don’t know much.

About myself: I don’t think I’ve done anything that constitutes as abuse or harassment. I rarely socialise in industry circles. I’m embarrassed to remember instances in the past when I passed superficial but degrading remarks about men artists whom I found attractive. I was stupid but not aggressive, in my mind anyway.

The overwhelming testimony of Waking The Feminists has shown that Irish theatre artists have been subject to intimidation and bias. Grace Dyas wrote openly about her experience of it in The Journal. Just recently I've heard a director with three decades’ experience say she could ‘write a book about bullying in the rehearsal room’. A dramaturg told me she was instructed to quieten down by a male playwright, while using her indoor voice. (I won’t say who these people are - it’s not my place).

UPDATE: Someone has mentioned the banning order against Belfast actors' agent Mark McCrory. BBC reported it in July.

I’ve heard of two individuals whose acts may be described as predatory. One of them has passed away. Another, I’ve heard lurid things about from two different people.

Irish Equity has said it will support anyone who wishes to report harassment. If that’s not an option, you can get in touch - in complete confidence - with me at chrismac1989@gmail.com. I’m not qualified to report on anything myself but I may be able to find people who are.